Mongo Santamaria and Friends

Mambo Mongo Mongo Santamaria and Friends

As part of the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of Chesky Records, the renowned audiophile label is presenting a reissue of Mongo Santamaria’s “Mambo Mongo.” This Latin jazz classic, recorded on March 30 and 31, 1992, was Chesky Records’ 100th release and remained Santamaria’s only album for the label. Produced by label head David Chesky, the recording is, as always, flawless and captivates with its lifelike sound, transporting listeners directly into the studio alongside the musicians. The album features the outstanding flutist Hubert Laws on “Dark Before The Dawn” and “Are They Only Dreams,” spotlights flutist David Valentin on the rousing tracks “Caribbean Sunrise” and “Los Niños Del Mundo,” and showcases soloists such as pianist Dario Eskenazi, Craig Rivers on tenor and soprano saxophone, and alto saxophonist Jimmy Cozier. The highlight of the album is undoubtedly “La Magolia,” in which Santamaria, together with three other percussionists, creates rhythmic tension for 9½ minutes.

Evosound presents “Mambo Mongo” as part of the Chesky Original Masters Series – pressed on 180-gram vinyl using the sonically superior One-Step process and cut at 33 RPM.